Genuine Learning Blog
The Genuine Learning Blog is a video series designed to keep you abreast of the latest developments in accounting and auditing. This is a not a teaser, marketing tool. This blog breaking down new proposals from GASB, FASB, and the AICPA into short manageable videos. Watching this series will make you better informed than your peers!
Proposed Changes to Yellow Book
GAO has issued a proposed update to GAGAS. The main changes include, similar to the AICPA, a movement to quality management and a more risk based approach to quality and quality reviews. They also provide application guidance around key audit matters. Comments are due by April 28, 2023.
2024 CPA Exam Blueprints
The AICPA has issued the final blueprints for the new CPA exam which will launch in 2024. Based on the comments received in the exposure draft phase, the AICPA made updates and tweaks to the proposal and has issued the final blueprints.
New Ethics Interpretation: Compliance Audits
The AICPA’s Professional Ethics Executive Committee (PEEC) has issued a new ethics interpretation around Compliance Audits. The interpretation adds two new definitions and revises a third definition. In addition, several Q&As were added to provide context for the application of the independence rules for these engagements.
FAF Strategic Plan
The FAF has released its strategic plan which includes the mission, vision and values of the FAF which is the parent entity to the FASB and GASB. The plan lists out the goals that FAF has set for itself.
2022 in Review
We kick off 2023 with a look at the final standards that were issued by the FASB, GASB and AICPA throughout 2022. We’ll give an executive overview of what was issued and how it may impact financial reporting, auditing and ethics.
Proposed Changes to Peer Review Standards
The AICPA has issued proposed changes to the peer review standards. The proposal is filled with several technical corrections and wording changes with the intent to improve clarity of existing standards. Comments are due January 31, 2023.
GASB Proposal – Implementation Guide 2023
GASB has issued 9 questions for public comment that relate to leases, SBITA and accounting changes. The implementation guidance which would be issued in 2023 would be authoritative interpretations of the related standards. Comments are due January 20, 2023.
Proposed Changes to Lease Accounting (Topic 842)
FASB has proposed changes to Topic 842, Leases for related parties under common control. The proposal would change the evaluation of the lease term for private entities under common control to allow the use of what was in writing. The proposal would also change the amortization of leasehold improvements for all common control entities including public entities. Comments are due January 16, 2023.
Proposed Changes to the Uniform Accountancy Act’s Model Rules
NASBA is proposing changes to Rule 5-7 Retake and Granting of Credit Requirements related to the CPA exam. The date from which credit is calculated varies among the jurisdictions and with upcoming changes to the exam, NASBA is looking to streamline and provide for potential delays that may come out of the changes. Comments are due December 12, 2022.
Technical Q&A (TIS) Section 250: Ethics
The AICPA has issued 3 new question and answers around the implementation of the new Information System Services interpretation which will be effective in January 2023. The interpretation has been delayed twice – first due to COVID and then due to concerns around implementation. During the 2022 ENGAGE conference, AICPA staff members met with concerned individuals to better understand the concerns and the Q&As address some of the larger concerns noted.
Proposal: Joint Venture Accounting
The FASB has proposed a new standard that is intended to reduce diversity in practice related to joint venture accounting at inception. When items are contributed to a joint venture, the proposal would require the use of fair value of the items contributed. The proposal also includes new disclosure requirements. Comments are due December 22, 2022.
Proposed Concept Statement: Chapter 2: The Reporting Entity
While the FASB continues to work on updating GAAP, they have also been diligently working on filling in the gaps in the conceptual framework. This proposal would add chapter 2 to the framework and provides guidance on what is the reporting entity for financial reporting purposes. It address the concepts of parent only, combined, and consolidated financial statements. Comments are due January 16, 2023.
Proposed Changes to Segment Reporting
After its post-implementation review, the FASB has proposed some updates to the current segment reporting requirements including requiring those entities with only one segment to provide disclosures. It also expands annual disclosures to interim reporting. Segment reporting is currently only required for public companies and the proposal continues that scope. Comments are due in December 2022.
Ethics Technical Correction: 529 Plans
The initial guidance for 529 plans was issued back in 2005. Since then, there has been significant changes to how plans are run. The AICPA’s Professional Ethics Executive Committee had received feedback and in the Work Plan looked at reevaluating the area. In September 2022, they issued a technical correction to make the safeguard easier to apply for holders of 529 plan investments.
Q3 2022 in Review
Quarter 3 of 2022 is in the books. We’ll review the accounting and auditing (and ethics) standards issued by standard setters this quarter.
GAO: Government Efficiency and Effectiveness Report
GAO has issued their annual report about ways the federal government can reduce inefficiencies and redundancy across a wide variety of programs and departments. The report gives a status update on the 1,299 actions GAO has recommended since 2011 to address billions of dollars in inefficient and duplicative spending.
2022 FASB Investor Outreach Report
The FASB has issued their 2022 Investor Outreach Report detailing their interactions with investors throughout the 7/1/21 – 6/30/22 period. It provides details on the advisory groups with investors as well as the feedback from the ITC for agenda consultation.
Revised Statements on Standards for Tax Services Proposal
The AICPA’s Tax Executive Committee has proposed changes to the Statements of Standards for Tax Services (SSTSs). The proposal has two parts. Part 1 is an Exposure Draft of proposed revisions to the SSTSs. Part 2 is an Invitation to Comment on how the AICPA could potentially introduce quality management in the tax realm. Comments are due by December 31.
Disclaimer: The information contained within this blog is provided for informational purposes only. Viewing this material does not qualify for CPE credit. Additionally, this general knowledge is not intended to substitute for obtaining accounting, legal, or financial advice from a professional accountant with specific knowledge of your organization. Finally, watching this blog and/or subscribing to the newsletter do not create an accountant-client relationship.
